Wisconsin Leaders Call on the EPA to Implement the Strongest Possible Safeguards to Cut Climate Pollution from Power Plants
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 17, 2023
Contact: Laura Lane, WHPCAcomms@gmail, (608) 215-0112
Wisconsin Leaders Call on the EPA to Implement the Strongest Possible Safeguards to Cut Climate Pollution from Power Plants
Oak Creek, WI – Wisconsin leaders from the health, climate, and environmental sectors- including Healthy Climate Wisconsin, Clean Wisconsin, and Action for the Climate Emergency-gathered today at Haas Park, near the Elm Road and South Oak Creek power plants, in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s historic proposal to cut carbon pollution from power plants, the second leading source of carbon pollution in the United States.
Currently, carbon pollution from existing fossil fuel power plants are unregulated. The speakers called on the EPA to ensure the new climate pollution safeguards are as strong as they can be in order to tackle the climate crisis and protect the health of Wisconsinites, especially those living in frontline communities that suffer the greatest harm from climate pollution.
“As a broadcast meteorologist who has followed the research of climate scientists over the years, I can say unequivocally that we are in a climate emergency. By taking forceful measures to quickly reduce carbon emissions, we can keep the earth livable for our children and great grandchildren. But we have to act now. By adding the EPA’s “Cut Climate Pollution Plan” to the climate provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act, we will be well on our way to solving the climate crisis by eliminating carbon emissions by mid century,” said Bob Lindmeier, senior chief meteorologist at WKOW-TV.
The EPA’s proposed ‘Cut Climate Pollution Plan’ would protect public health by reducing harmful pollutants. Over the next two decades, it would deliver up to $85 billion in climate and health benefits. 
“Children with higher exposure to particulate matter, a byproduct of burning coal, are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing frequent and severe asthma attacks, as well as conditions such as autism and ADHD. This is not to mention the additional burden that future generations will face as they grow up in a world plagued by escalating climate change. And yet here we are- standing in a playground – meant for children – with the smokestacks ever present nearby,” said Lillian Jensen, a nurse with Healthy Climate Wisconsin.
While the EPA’s proposal is a good start, the agency can strengthen its plan by requiring power plants to reduce their emissions more quickly, applying the pollution safeguards to a wider number of gas plants, and ensuring communities have input on how the pollution safeguards are implemented at power plants. Given the urgency of the climate crisis, the new climate pollution safeguards for power plants must be completed early next year.
The EPA’s new climate pollution standards for power plants were announced on May 11, 2023 by EPA Administrator Michael Regan.
You can watch a video of the press conference here.